Acceptance-based sleep program for Veterans with PTSD
A Novel Acceptance-based Treatment for Insomnia in Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM · NIH-11269164
This program combines behavioral sleep techniques with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help Veterans with PTSD who have chronic insomnia.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11269164 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you are a Veteran with PTSD who struggles to sleep, this treatment called ABC-I mixes proven sleep strategies (like sleep restriction, stimulus control, sleep hygiene, and relaxation) with ACT exercises to change how you relate to thoughts and feelings that interfere with sleep. The approach is delivered to Veterans through the VA team and tracks changes in sleep, daytime functioning, and PTSD symptoms over time. The researchers developed ABC-I specifically for Veterans with PTSD because standard insomnia approaches sometimes give smaller benefits in this group. Early pilot work with Veterans suggests the combined ACT and behavioral approach may produce stronger sleep gains than standard methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Veterans with a clinical diagnosis of PTSD who also meet criteria for chronic insomnia disorder and can receive care at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System.
Not a fit: People without PTSD or without insomnia, those with untreated severe sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, or individuals unable or unwilling to engage in behavioral therapy are unlikely to benefit from this specific program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could reduce insomnia severity, improve daytime functioning, and lessen PTSD-related distress for participating Veterans.
How similar studies have performed: Standard CBT-I helps many people with insomnia but tends to have smaller effects in those with PTSD, and early pilot studies of ABC-I in Veterans have shown promising results though the approach is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MARTIN, JENNIFER L — VA GREATER LOS ANGELES HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
- Study coordinator: MARTIN, JENNIFER L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.